Sandwiched Between Miami And Fort Lauderdale Is A Vibrant Beach City For An Affordable Getaway

If someone starts talking about visiting Hollywood, your mind may naturally think about the place with all the movie stars, aka California's most overrated tourist attraction, the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, it turns out that there's a different city called Hollywood on the other side of the country. Here, instead of celebrities, the main attractions are its beautiful beach and relatively affordable accommodations. In fact, Florida's Hollywood is conveniently sandwiched about half an hour north of Miami and 20 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale, making it an appealing alternative to its larger neighbors.

And what's even more impressive is that Hollywood is such a vibrant beach town that you may not need to check out nearby "touristy" cities during your visit. Not only is Hollywood Beach scenic, but it also has its own 2.5-mile Broadwalk, which has been ranked as one of the best in the country. Beyond the beach, the city also has some incredible parks, cultural centers, delicious restaurants, and its own casino.

So if you're ready to avoid the tourists in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it may be time to experience the glitz and glam of Hollywood, Florida. Let's dive in and see what makes this city shine.

As we mentioned, visiting Hollywood, Florida, is an affordable option, particularly compared to nearby cities like Miami. But what is it about this place that makes it affordable? Well, first, Hollywood offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, including options for travelers looking to save money. The area also offers a variety of hotels and resorts to fit different budgets, along with casual restaurants and shops where visitors can find reasonably priced options. Finally, the Broadwalk, one of the crown jewels of Hollywood's attractions, is free and open to the public.

So let's discuss the Broadwalk and what makes it such a compelling part of any visit to the area. First, there's the beach, so you can simply stroll along and appreciate the scenery, go out and play beach games, or just relax next to the waves. If you're near Connecticut Street, check out Charnow Park, which features a splash pad, a playground, and racquetball courts, so you can have even more fun without spending any money. Best of all, you can take advantage of the Sun Shuttle to explore the area without worrying about parking hassles and fees.      

Finally, it's easy to find tasty eats along the Broadwalk, with restaurants offering oceanfront views to elevate your dining experience. For example, Florio's offers pizza and pasta in a casual setting, while Nick's Bar and Grill serves a variety of seafood dishes, along with burgers, wings, and other favorites. Or, if you're looking for something different, Blue Wave serves Argentinian cuisine, while At Peru offers Peruvian seafood dishes. 

Since Hollywood is near Miami, you may assume that the best way to travel there is to fly into Miami International Airport, especially because the city may soon offer a second airport hub. However, the closest option is actually Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which sits just north of Hollywood and is about a 15-minute drive from the city center. As we mentioned, there are many hotels and resorts in the area that can fit most budgets, including a variety of options on or near the beach. One of the more unique resorts is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which features multiple hotel buildings, including a guitar-shaped hotel that puts on an LED light show every night.

While the beach and Broadwalk may be Hollywood highlights, the outdoor fun doesn't have to stop there. For example, the Anne Kolb Nature Center sits on over 1,500 acres of protected mangroves and wetlands, and features interactive exhibits. Alternatively, Topeekeegee Yungee (TY) Park has a playground, sports courts, a swimming lagoon, and a small seasonal water park called Castaway Island. Finally, if you're more into golfing, the Hollywood Beach Golf Club is open to the public and has undergone renovations.

When it comes to cultural sites, Hollywood offers plenty of ways to enrich your visit, including the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts, which showcases pottery, glass art, and other decorative pieces. Or check out the Hollywood Art & Culture Center, which hosts rotating exhibitions and offers creative classes. But if you really want to see art and design in action, drive about 40 minutes south to experience the beautiful, world-renowned South Beach and its Art Deco architecture.